SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The American Public Works Association’s (APWA) Illinois Chapter recognized Hanson Professional Services Inc. for its work on two public works projects during the chapter’s annual awards banquet May 6 in Peoria.

Hanson received the Public Works Project of the Year Award in the environment category, under the division for projects that cost less than $5 million, for its work on the Springfield public works stormwater project. The city faced problems with stormwater runoff at its public works garage. Runoff — particularly from around the city’s salt dome — introduced pollutants into the sewer system, and runoff from rain caused sewer backups. The city teamed with Hanson to create a bioswale and reuse solution to improve the sewer system and provide a new water resource. The bioswale captures and detains stormwater from the western half of the 5-acre site and filters it using engineered soil planted with salt-resistant grass. The stormwater from the site’s east half is pretreated before storage in underground tanks. Sewer-jetting trucks and street sweepers use the treated water, which is expected to save the city 1.4 million gallons of potable water per year.

Hanson and its joint-venture partner, Farnsworth Group of Peoria, received a Public Works Project of the Year Award in the transportation category, under the division for projects that cost from $5 million to less than $25 million, for the Peoria Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) II Downtown Warehouse District Complete Streets project. Hanson and Farnsworth provided Phase 1 and 2 design services to the Peoria Public Works Department. The project’s goal was to revitalize the area through mixed-use development, combining housing with shopping and businesses. It included redesigning and reconstructing streets, intersections, utilities and sidewalks in the Warehouse District to create an accessible and attractive urban area for motorists, pedestrians, residents and visitors.

The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 28,500 members involved in the field of public works. APWA promotes professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge.

Hanson is a national, employee-owned consulting firm providing engineering, planning and allied services. The firm’s corporate headquarters is located at 1525 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62703. The office may be reached by phone at (217) 788-2450. Hanson’s Peoria regional office is located at 7625 N. University St., Suite 200, Peoria, IL 61614. The office may be reached by phone at (309) 691-0902.